This programme is ideal for anyone who wishes to gain the relevant expertise to work in the music business. Whether you’re interested in managing artists, working for record labels or the business of songs, you’ll learn exactly what it takes to build a successful career in the music industry.

The course covers a broad range of music industry areas allowing you to develop your knowledge to help you gain employment across a variety of music business roles. It will also equip you with many key entrepreneurial skills to give you the option of building your own business from scratch. Whatever your ideal career path, this degree course will give you a comprehensive overview of the music business.

Modules

This provides a guide of the modules that make up your course. You can find more information about how your course is structured on our

Academic Advice section

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This course has Opportunity modules.

Opportunity modules are a key part of the BNU curriculum. You’ll choose modules in both your first and second year from a broad selection in areas such as sustainability, entrepreneurship, creativity, digital skills, personal growth, civic engagement, health & wellbeing and employment. Opportunity modules are designed to enable you to develop outside the traditional boundaries of your discipline and help you to further stand out from the crowd to future employers.

Find out more

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Foundation Year Core Modules Credits

Inquiry Based Learning

Credits

This module has been designed to develop your understanding of key concepts and themes as well as basic methodologies and approaches to academic work. You’ll have the opportunity to analyse a problem or question that relates to your subject area, making use of information gathered from various sources using different methods and strategies.

Preparing for Success Knowledge and Creativity

Credits

You’ll learn about the overlap between study skills and employability skills and develop your existing abilities in both areas. You’ll be prepared for successful progression to Level 4 academic study whilst preparing yourself for employment through inquiry-based learning, problem solving and critical and creative thinking.

Preparing for Success Self-development and Responsibility

Credits

You’ll develop the skills associated with leadership and self-development and social and ethical awareness and responsibility, which are essential for success in higher education and in the world of work. This module will prepare you for successful progression to Level 4 academic study while allowing you to learn about employment in the twenty-fir...

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Preparing for Success Self-development and Responsibility

Credits

You’ll develop the skills associated with leadership and self-development and social and ethical awareness and responsibility, which are essential for success in higher education and in the world of work.

This module will prepare you for successful progression to Level 4 academic study while allowing you to learn about employment in the twenty-first century through inquiry-based learning, problem solving and critical and creative thinking.

Introduction to Music Management, Production and Performance

Credits

Discover career choices in the music industry and study what it takes to forge a career related to music. You'll also learn key industry-related words and phrases to help you understand terms used in future modules in undergraduate programmes in the areas of audio and music.

Year 1 Core Modules Credits

Introduction to Artist Development 20.00

Credits

20.00

You'll be taught to evaluate processes around the creation & development of contemporary music. You'll learn about the management of creativity and explore the legal framework surrounding artists and the interaction of managers with the industry. You'll examine current methods of establishing an artistic brand prior to products entering the market.

Entertainment Industry Framework 20.00

Credits

20.00

You'll be taught how to examine the range and role of music & entertainment organisations responsible for the management and administration of the industry, and key issues they currently face. You'll look at artist management, record & publishing companies, copyright & collection societies, retail, streaming, broadcast, social media and DIY culture...

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Entertainment Industry Framework

Credits

20.00

You'll be taught how to examine the range and role of music & entertainment organisations responsible for the management and administration of the industry, and key issues they currently face. You'll look at artist management, record & publishing companies, copyright & collection societies, retail, streaming, broadcast, social media and DIY culture.

Event Planning and Practice 20.00

Credits

20.00

This module is an introduction to events planning. The basic business structures of events and a thorough knowledge of venue selection and the differences on offer within the event industry will be discussed. This module aims to foster an in-depth understanding of the process, planning, budgeting, staging and evaluation of various types of events.

Managing Your Brand 20.00

Credits

20.00

This module looks at branding and the creation of identity across multiple platforms, both on and offline, with a focus on managing a personal brand in the context of the mainstream and independent music and entertainment industries. You'll also be introduced to fundamental principles of management, both self and in the context of organisations.

Principles of Marketing 20.00

Credits

20.00

You'll be introduced to the principles of marketing theory in the context of the event & entertainment industries & explore links between identifying event attendees’ needs & wants and event marketing. You'll study how these principles can offer an understanding of the market, including how marketing impacts fans, events and other facilitators.

Opportunity Modules

You must choose 2 x 10 credit Level 4 Opportunity modules from the Opportunity module catalogue.

Year 2 Core Modules Credits

Music Business Project 20.00

Credits

20.00

You'll need to understand and analyse the processes for planning, managing & co-ordinating all aspects involved in the staging of a professional live event. The finished event will be evaluated in the context of the initial aims and objectives as well as design and creation of an experience using appropriate music business and management theories.

Research Methods 20.00

Credits

20.00

The aim of the module is to provide you with an introduction to research methods and the skills necessary for planning and conducting research and enquiry within their field of study, discipline or professional contexts.

The Music Entrepreneur 20.00

Credits

20.00

The module aims to give you the knowledge to become self-employed in the music/events/entertainment industries. You'll study concepts and techniques relevant to content-driven businesses, such as marketing, promotion and potential income streams, to evaluate the success of contemporary small business practices. You'll also consider approaches to co...

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The Music Entrepreneur

Credits

20.00

The module aims to give you the knowledge to become self-employed in the music/events/entertainment industries. You'll study concepts and techniques relevant to content-driven businesses, such as marketing, promotion and potential income streams, to evaluate the success of contemporary small business practices. You'll also consider approaches to constructing and presenting a business proposal. There will be opportunities to engage in collaborative client-based live briefs.

Optional Modules Credits

Artist Management 20.00

Credits

20.00

This module builds on the foundations of the Level 4 Introduction to Artist Development module, focusing now on concepts pertinent to contemporary artist management. Teaching sessions will be delivered by members of the academic team and, where appropriate, guest speakers from industry.

Buckinghamshire New University

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Overview:

Buckinghamshire New University (BNU) is a modern university with a focus on practical and job-related learning. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses across various disciplines. BNU is known for its high student satisfaction rates, excellent student support, and strong employability outcomes.

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Services Offered:

BNU provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:

Student Success and Support:

This includes career guidance, health and wellbeing services, disability support, library resources, and a multi-faith chaplaincy.

Digital and Technical Services:

BNU offers access to IT facilities, software, and online learning platforms like Blackboard.

Accommodation:

BNU provides on-campus accommodation options at its High Wycombe campus, as well as guidance for finding private rented accommodation.

Financial Support:

BNU offers various financial aid options, including bursaries, scholarships, and hardship funds.

International Student Support:

BNU provides specific support for international students, including visa guidance, travel assistance, and integration programs.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

BNU offers a vibrant and inclusive campus experience with a strong focus on student engagement. Students can expect:

Active Students' Union:

BNU's Students' Union provides a range of social, cultural, and sporting activities.

Diverse and Inclusive Community:

BNU prides itself on its welcoming and diverse student body.

Modern Facilities:

BNU has modern facilities, including a gym, a human performance center, and a library.

Campus Tours:

BNU offers virtual and in-person campus tours to prospective students.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

High Student Satisfaction:

BNU consistently ranks highly in student satisfaction surveys.

Excellent Student Support:

BNU is known for its strong student support services.

Strong Employability Outcomes:

BNU graduates have a high rate of employment or further study after graduation.

Industry-Focused Courses:

BNU's courses are designed to equip students with the skills needed for the modern workplace.

Practical and Job-Related Learning:

BNU emphasizes practical learning through simulations and real-world projects.

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Academic Programs:

BNU offers a wide range of academic programs across various schools, including:

• School of Art, Design and Performance
• School of Aviation and Security
• School of Business and Law
• School of Creative and Digital Industries
• School of Engineering and the Built Environment
• School of Health and Social Care Professions
• School of Human and Social Sciences
• School of Nursing and Midwifery
• Missenden Abbey International Hotel and Hospitality School

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Other:

• BNU has a strong commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
• BNU is a TEF Silver-awarded institution, recognizing its high quality of teaching and learning.
• BNU has a strong focus on research and knowledge exchange.
• BNU has partnerships with local businesses and organizations.

• BNU has a dedicated alumni network.

• Academic Programs:

  While the context lists the schools within BNU, it does not provide a detailed outline of the key academic programs and strengths of the institution.